Irish Soda Bread

As I sit down to write this post, I can smell the scent of fresh baked bread wafting through the air… It’s making me even more excited to share this super simple, yet amazingly delicious Irish Soda Bread recipe with you!  In just over an hour you can be enjoying a piece of this slightly sweet, completely satisfying bread.  Top with a spread of honey butter or some homemade jam and you’ve got yourself the perfect breakfast or snack!

Irish Soda Bread: Yields 2 loaves

5 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 stick cold butter, cubed ( I used Kerrygold)

2.5 cups mixed dark and golden raisins ( soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, drain)

2.5 cups buttermilk

1 egg (beaten and added to buttermilk)

Begin by soaking your raisins and preheating the oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Cut in ( I use my hands) cubed butter until the flour resembles course sand.  Drain raisins and stir into flour mixture.  Add buttermilk and egg and stir until incorporated.  The batter will be wet and very sticky.  Butter and flour (grease) two bread pans and divide batter evenly.  Cook for about 1 hour or until tooth pick comes out clean, the top will be golden brown. Cool and devour!